Critter Camp

Whether you’re curious about cats or dedicated to dogs, we have the camp for you! Join VHS for a hands-on humane adventure teaching kindness, compassion, and responsible pet care. Each week-long camp runs from 10 am – 2 pm daily; registration is $300 per student (Animal Allies the week of June 2 is a four-day camp due to the Independence Day holiday, and is just $250 per child). Sign up today to take advantage of this infinitely valuable program for the young pet-lover!

To register, please submit your completed application with payment. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and will be confirmed via email. Bring a lunch and reusable water bottle, wear a smile and sunscreen, and be ready for fun!

Applications with payment may be submitted in person or by snail mail at Valley Humane Society, 3670 Nevada Street in Pleasanton. Applications may also be emailed to Humane Education Coordinator Emily Taylor at etaylor@valleyhumane.org and payment made over the telephone by calling (925) 426-8656.

2018 Summer Camp

Paw Partners

Ages 6-8
June 4-8, 10 am – 2 pm
June 11-15, 10 am – 2 pm

Join us for indoor and outdoor Humane Education activities and games, animal yoga, and critter crafts to take home or for shelter enrichment. Learn the elements of responsible pet guardianship and what it takes to keep a pet happy and healthy. Practice acting safely around pets, including how to greet and play with animals by paying attention to their body language. Team up for the week with an adoptable kitty for Paws and Tales, practicing reading fluency while helping the cats to be more comfortable during their stay. Meet a variety of animal ambassadors (rabbits, pigeons and doves, reptiles and more!) and learn from accompanying guest speakers. Discover what you can do to help our fellow creatures and the environment, while strengthening skills in empathy, compassion, mindfulness and social responsibility. Includes Critter Camp t-shirt and Journal. Bring a lunch, snack, and reusable water bottle each day.

Animal Allies

Join us for indoor and outdoor Humane Education activities and games, animal yoga, and critter crafts to take home or for shelter enrichment. Learn the elements of responsible pet guardianship and what it takes to keep a pet happy and healthy. Practice acting safely around pets, including how to greet and play with animals by paying attention to their body language. Team up for the week with an adoptable kitty for Paws and Tales, reading out-loud to your feline partner to help them be more comfortable during their stay. Meet a variety of animal ambassadors (rabbits, pigeons and doves, reptiles and more!) and learn from accompanying guest speakers. Discover what you can do to help our fellow creatures and the environment, while strengthening skills in empathy, compassion, mindfulness and social responsibility. Includes Critter Camp t-shirt and Journal. Bring a lunch, snack, and reusable water bottle each day.

Humane Heroes

Ages 12-15
July 9 – 13, 10 am – 2 pm
July 16 – 20, 10 am – 2 pm

Explore careers working with animals, learn pet first aid tips, relax with animal yoga, and review responsible pet guardianship, and what it takes to keep a pet happy and healthy. Practice pet safety, including how to interpret pet communication, interact with and train them. Team up for the week with an adoptable kitty for Paws and Tales, researching animal topics while socializing with your feline partner. Meet a variety of guest speakers who work in animal-related fields as well as their accompanying animal ambassadors (rabbits, pigeons and doves, reptiles, and more!). Discover what you can do to help our fellow creatures and the environment while developing your creativity, mindfulness, leadership and critical-thinking skills. Includes Critter Camp t-shirt and Journal. Bring a lunch, snack, and reusable water bottle each day.

NEW! Optional After Care Available

Any Camp Week
From 2 – 3 pm, $100 per child per week in addition to camp registration fee.

Other Camp Programs

Critter Camp Leadership Program

Ages 15-17 • $100 per week for one or more weeks of camp
Monday-Friday, 9:30 am – 4 pm

Critter Camp Leaders love working with children and animals, and are able to engage the attention of campers while they supervise activities and games.

Applicants are interviewed and attend an Orientation before camp begins. Not all applicants will be accepted into the Leadership Program.